In order to make this topic meaningful to students, I really tied to find things that would relate to their lives and to also keep the unit moving and interesting (hopefully never boring!). For example, I started the unit with a video called "The Evolution of Dance" which is very humorous. Of course it doesn't really deal with evolution, but I am using it for the students to analyze similarities and differences to real evolution. They will find that it is dealing with the change over time but it is dealing with an individual and not a population. So by being creative and finding something humorous, I am dealing with real definitions that they need to know and understand, and hopefully they will remember it better! I start with big ideas that arouse curiosity and interest, and then move on to the details that are necessary to understand the unit.
I also included many different methods to teach, using lectures, readings, video, pictures, and activities. Not only will this tap into multiple intelligences, but it will also break up the long 90 minute periods!
I made use of inquiry by having the students think like scientists, especially in the Bird Origami activity. They will have to use previous knowledge along with their observations and experience of the activity to critically think about and come up with rules for natural selection which are observed in nature.
I have assessed the students every day, both formally and informally. Every day or two I read their journals and reply to their responses and check for understanding. I also constantly observe, ask questions, and facilitate discussion. I also have them do homework assignments (which I grade) to check for understanding, and give a unit test on the last day (after a day of review).
I always take into account the students' prior experiences and knowledge. I especially do this through the journal entries,
I sequenced the lessons in a way in which each day builds on the previous day's lessons and activities.I also sequenced the individual lessons so that they start with something to (hopefully) gain the students' attention and interest. The lessons all continue with various methods of teaching (such as video) to break up the lessons and tap into multiple intelligences.
I will help the students make sense of the material by using many varieties in teaching styles and techniques, relate it to their lives and things they like, and by being very prepared in both my lesson and knowledge so I would be able to answer questions they may have about the topic. I will also have numerous assessments throughout, so they could receive feedback and have a better understanding of how much they know (and to clear up any misinterpretations they might have).
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